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Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:12 PM

Getchell Named Alaska Superintendent of the Year

Getchell Named Alaska Superintendent of the Year
Photo courtesy of LeRoy Getchell.

Dr. Roy Getchell, who spent his early years in Fallon schools while his father, LeRoy, served as City Clerk for the City of Fallon, has been named 2024 Alaska Superintendent of the Year by the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA).  

Dr. Getchell has served as Superintendent of Haines Borough School District since 2018. He is the Alaska Superintendent Association Board President and the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) President. He is the past Board Chair of SERRC and serves on their Executive Committee. He previously represented Alaska on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Governing Board. 

Since 2018, Dr. Getchell has provided the Haines Borough School District with steady, thoughtful, and measured leadership. He skillfully led through the 2020 landslide that tragically took the life of a Haines teacher and the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the wake of these events that significantly impacted the school district and community, "Dr. Getchell demonstrated considerable grace and thought in his response," said Dr. Michelle Sloper, Haines Borough School Board President. 

Making connections with students, staff, and community leaders has been a focus for Dr. Getchell. Pam Long, a parent of two HBSD Students, shared, "It is empowering to watch district staff, business owners, tribal leaders, parents, grandparents, educators and students all collaborating under his leadership." Through Dr. Getchell's commitment to open and engaging dialog, he has been able to promote the mission and vision of the school district and recruit educators to the region. 

“Watching school leaders and mentors through the years,” said Getchell, “I never ever imagined myself being able to do the same type of work as a superintendent. I can clearly remember viewing administration through rose-colored glasses of amazement as they led their schools and districts to places of higher ground. For that reason, I humbly know the importance of the roles we have as leaders of our schools and communities.”
 


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Comment author: Nicole GalbraithComment text: Farren - I just saw that you aren’t here with us. I am completely in shock! I met you and hung out with you so many years ago with Jer, and Eden. I honestly can’t believe you are gone…..you were a wonderful human being, with a HUGE heart and soul. Hearing this makes my heart break! You are forever in our hearts, and I can say I feel blessed that I was able to know you! Rest easy sweet Farren xoxoComment publication date: 3/23/26, 12:30 PMComment source: Obituary- Farren CrosslandComment author: Tiffany LundleeComment text: I will miss you so very much Bryan. It was always fun visiting you guys. And always talking about what Jon and Aaron use to do as goofy teenagers I will miss you very muchComment publication date: 3/21/26, 12:12 PMComment source: Bryan Taylor Anderson C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: A wonderful tribute. Thank you Kelli Kelly.Comment publication date: 3/21/26, 8:12 AMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon ManComment author: Bob SondgrothComment text: There are times when you should just know about someone. Who and what they REALLY were. Because they were devotional and IMPORTANT to the humans they connected with. The content of their life bled so that others could feel their own life’s importance. Teachers of justifiable life and art. That all can absorb and use as the best fertilizer for THEIR lives. Giving the silent secrets and the loud guidance. The Melon Man was a perfect specimen for how to devote. His passing meant a life book of feeling/knowing what gives other humans their paths to Love and Knowledge. Some humans are meant to show others their paths. And in that they secrete ways to profitably exist.Comment publication date: 3/18/26, 4:50 PMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon Man
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